Tips to Keep Your Allergies in Check

It’s that time of the year, and if you have allergies, you’re already dreading spring. While the sunshine and warm air may feel great on your skin, the sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes are enough to drive you crazy.

While you may not be able to get your allergies to disappear, Dr. Nandi does have some tips that can help you keep your allergies in check, even when the pollen count is high.

Keep the House Uncontaminated

Although you’d love to open the windows and doors to let the spring wind blow through, it’s filled with pollen from trees and flowers. Instead, keep the house locked tight against pollen. Shut windows and doors and take off your shoes, and coat outside.

When you come in, be sure to wash your hands and face right away. Don’t leave shoes and coats outside, and keep windows closed.

Avoid the Avoidable

When pollen levels are high in your area, stay indoors as much as possible. Those hot, dry, and windy days tend to have heavy pollen, and it’s typically strongest between 5 AM and 10 AM. Plan your outdoor chores in the afternoon or evening, or after a heavy rain, when pollen counts drop.

Suppose you have to do chores, like mowing the lawn. In that case, that flares up your allergies, consider wearing a mask and glasses to reduce the amount of pollen with which you come into contact.

Preparation Is Key

When you know pollen season is arriving, plan ahead. Change the air filters in both your furnace and the air conditioner. When traveling, use the recalculating air option instead of the fresh intake, keeping pollen outside your vehicle where it belongs.

Be your own health hero this spring, and don’t let your allergies keep you down. Follow these easy tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors without feeling like a sniffling and sneezing mess.

Partha’s Rx

• Wear sunglass when outside to protect your eyes from floating pollen.
• Use masks with HEPA filters to eliminate as much pollen as possible.
• Don’t hang clothes on the line when the pollen count is high.
• Lower your home’s humidity below 60% to reduce mold spores.
• Use pollen count apps so you’re always prepared for what’s ahead.